Sebastian's story......................

[spiritbird]

This story will inspire you, make you angry, make you cry all at the same time. You can read about Sebastian in a blog written by Caitlin Rice at Parrotearth.com Look for the entry called Deplumed Part 1 [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

Sebastian is a Green Wing Macaw she found in a basement of a so called bird rescue organization.

[2birds]

I just finished reading this blog. Wow, such a bittersweet story. How can people get to this point? Never mind, I know how, it's called the ego of the human mind. Those poor birds, what they're forced into. At least it was a happy ending for 26 birds, 1 man and 1 woman.

[Animalman2046]

Spiritbird thanks for sharing. Just finished reading the blog. So sad. Poor birds there are so many animals (birds and other animals) that are forced to live and some die like this with no chance of rescue. So sad makes me cry, angry, sick and much more. Again thanks for sharing.

[spiritbird]

This story makes me think and ask "How many Sebastians are there in this world"?

[plax]

This story makes me think and ask "How many Sebastians are there in this world"?Far too many, Dianne :(

When it comes to matters of animal abuse, many folks maintain a passively avoidant attitude... as Caitlin has appropriately pointed out. Those few folks around like Caitlin, of course, are the welcome exception! From my own experience in dealing with people -such as members of bird discussion communities- I've learned that often when abusive animal situations come to light, a great many of us tend to look the other way. In most cases we do this to avoid offending our peers. And in some cases this includes those very caregivers who are facilitating/creating abusive situations for their pets. But such passivity is not only intended to avoid offending people, it's also a way to avoid becoming involved in the personal affairs of others, mainly as a way to avert the associated "drama" or "negativity" that will inevitably ensue from challenging someone's concepts. And that's the basis for inaction that tends to anger me the most, since it effectively places social contentment above dearly needed advocacy for helpless, victimized pets. Granted, it's important to try and remain on friendly terms with those caregivers who impose dangerous or unhealthy conditions upon defenseless animals, in hopes of keeping a dialog open with them. In many cases keeping a channel of communication alive may seem like the only way to help a pet in dire need of advocacy. But a further part of the issue is that such passivity will never send the firm message to future potential pet abusers that it's NOT okay to treat animals in the manner at focus! My view has been that if we make effort but are unable to reach an animal abuser through methods of diplomacy and kindness, then more than likely said individual is not going to listen to reason regardless of the approach. As such, the only benefit may stem from making an example out of an abuser's situation so it may present as shocking enough to onlookers that it deters other potential animal abusers from imposing similar risks upon their own pets. As an example, I'll cite those folks who allow pet birds to physically interact with cats or dogs. When folks who may be compelled to try creating such "adorable" scenarios with their own pets learn that doing so may generate hostility among animal loving folks (and very importantly, why), they may think twice before unnecessarily endangering a pet bird in the name of "cuteness". No one wants to be made into an example! So some folks may actually weigh the potential attention they're seeking (from the "cuteness" element) against the potential for negative reaction from folks. From this, hopefully, they will decide against endangering their pets. Conversely, ignoring such matters and claiming that all folks are smart enough to make their own informed decisions for their own pets is merely a futile cop out (in my opinion). Far too frequently people think that nothing can go wrong or that every potential accident has an equal risk factor. Both of these beliefs are inaccurate!

Pretending that some horribly dangerous practice isn't happening, or that it isn't as bad as it may actually be, can't make a real danger go away :(

Caitlin's descriptions of Sebastian's long ordeal are quite impactful! I commend her for her brave efforts and I'm very happy for those birds she was able to help remove from their dreadful living conditions. One sad reality, though, is that there seem few folks in this world willing to firmly advocate for abused pets, as Caitlin has so nobly done :'(

As a final note, below is an excerpt from one of Caitlin's statements which grabbed my heart:


...I don’t know what makes people capable of torture. All I know is that being a victim of it really, really hurts. I won’t go into what happened, but the way it affected me has left its scars. I can’t see it happening to other living creatures and pretend like it isn’t as bad as it is.

[BeakFace]

Oh so sad! I cried while reading this. I am so thankful for a good ending. I volunteer at a local rescue and I don't agree with everything and I don't even like some of the decisions of what goes on but one thing is for sure and most important all of the birds have fresh vegetables and or fruits at least 3 times a week and good pellet/seed mixture everyday! Always fresh water everyday! Most are in large flights and some in cages. Would I like to see the cages cleaned more often? YES! Would I like more enrichment? YES! I do all I can and provide all I can and its never enough. My husband has been very supportive financially and doesn't second guess my decisions to help. 150 or more birds dropped off for all different reasons. Some people want to travel, some because they can't afford medical attention, some just because they can't handle them and the reasons go on and on! Every week the cockatoo's show up. OMG! It just breaks my heart! We probably have 40 Macaws. Just the Avian vet bills, meds, testing. Never enough money! How many more can they take in? I am so thankful that at least they are fed and watered everyday and they have medical attention if needed. Sorry for the rant! I wish people who drop off these birds would at least contribute to the care of these birds. So many ask that they be in free flights and never adopted! Who drops off their love ones and expects someone else to pay for it? REALLY! It's just unbelievable the cost in running this facility! RANT OVER!

[spiritbird]

Seems to be many more large birds without good homes. I wish they were all flying high in the skies of their native lands instead of a cage. Another wish is for breeders of large birds to really take the time to know the buyer and provide or refer them to educational events before the sale. Of course this should happen with all bird sales.

If the inspectors or state regulartors for rescues do not do their jobs properly, who will?